School children in Bradford are being invited to get their spines checked during half-term as new research reveals they are more at risk from developing joint and back pain than ever before.

Lack of exercise, computer games and heavy school bags are all taking their toll on the health of youngsters, with many already complaining of back problems at a young age.

Research commissioned by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) during BackCare Awareness Week, shows that almost one in three chiropractic patients suffers from injuries stemming from childhood.

Most chiropractors agree that patients could have reduced their pain had the problem been addressed when they were young, yet only seven per cent of current patients are children.

So during half-term next week all BCA back clinics across the country are opening their doors to offer school children the chance for a check-up in return for a small donation to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Jackie Beer, of Bradford Chiropractic Clinic, at Oakfield Grove, Bradford, said: "Children at this age are extremely vulnerable to back problems later in life as their young bones are 'soft' and still developing.

"We are acutely aware of the risk and strain that 11 to 18-year-olds are putting themselves under every day at school, which is the reason behind the half-term health check campaign.

"Our research highlighted how worried parents are and we, as chiropractors, want to help - otherwise the school children of today could be the back sufferers of tomorrow.

"Half-term is the perfect time to see children, as it enables us to make recommendations so that the remainder of the school year is less of a strain physically."

The check-up will involve looking at the posture of children and advice will be given to parents about what bags their children should be carrying.

Concerned parents should contact the Bradford clinic on (01274) 545510 to make an appointment.

The health check is being supported by Sharon Anderson, head of personal and social education at Parkside School in Cullingworth, who is raising awareness of back care during National Back Care Week.

"I have become aware through working with children of the growing increase of back problems in eleven-year-olds and upwards," she said.

"I was concerned to regularly see pupils carrying bags full of books rather than using lockers when they should only carry about five per cent of their body weight.

"We are encouraging them to use lockers and carry a reasonable weight for their size over two shoulders and it has been quite successful."